Carry On, Mr. Bowditch Themes

When his father pulls him out of school and apprentices him to a local business, Nat Bowditch seems doomed to a life that will never live up to his full potential. Nevertheless, he decides from an early age to “sail by ash breeze,” or make his way in the world by his own, often strenuous efforts. Through these he ultimately becomes the master of his own ship, a respected scholar and authority on many scientific…

From a young age, Nat Bowditch worries about the safety and wellbeing of those around him. At first, he focuses on the members of his family, whose luck he tries desperately to improve. From the lessons of his father and older brother Hab, he feels particularly worried about sparing the feelings of the women around him, like his sisters Lizza and Mary. When Father apprentices him to the chandlery, he puts a brave…

Set against the backdrop of the American Revolutionary War and its aftermath, Carry On, Mr. Bowditch explores the growth and development of America—and American democracy—at a crucial point in the country’s history. The book argues for the continuing importance of American ideals like making one’s own path in the world, the importance of democracy, the value of capitalism and investment, and the role of freedom of speech in a flourishing democracy by showing these ideals…

Early in his life, Nat Bowditch learns two important lessons. The first comes from his older brother, Hab, who teaches him that “boys don’t blubber.” Hab leaned on this mantra throughout a long cold winter when he had outgrown his coat and the family couldn’t afford to replace it. The cold hurt, Hab explains, but he chose not to complain, facing his suffering with fortitude and courage. Later, Nat’s mother tells him to look…